Musabbeh Al Mheiri-trained gelding backs up earlier win to streak home in the featured Al Tayer Motors Handicap
The consistent Dahawi collected his second win of the month with a decisive victory in the Al Tayer Motors Handicap over 1,000metre on turf, the joint-most valuable race on the Sunday afternoon card at Meydan Racecourse.
Trained by Musabbeh Al Mheiri for owner Abdulmagid Elkout, the six-year-old came into the race on a mark of 89, but a facile length win over Thunder Of Niagra should be enough to see that elevated to at least 90, earning him a spot at the Dubai World Cup Carnival.
“I love this horse, he’s so genuine and always tries so hard”, said winning rider Antonio Fresu. “We finally got him right this season and he’s showing his ability. Even with 62kg today he used his natural speed from the gate and he kept on until the end.”
The win completed a double for Fresu and Al Mheiri who landed the opening Jaguar I-PACE Purebred Arabian Conditions event, for non-winners of two, with Namrood, who made a winning local debut. A graduate from the recent Shadwell sale, the five-year-old was a first Arabian winner for owner Ahmad Bintooq Al Marri and he had this well in control from the off; cruising home virtually unchallenged by eight and three-quarter lengths.
The win surprised connections, Fresu saying: “He wasn’t showing us that much in the morning so I wasn’t that confident. I took a chance at the rail and took the front because it was his first time on the dirt and I didn’t want to give him any kickback, to find any excuses. But he travelled beautifully and when I asked him he kicked on really well.”
